Martha Approves

By Lisa Duncan

“I come for the garden, and to see the outfits,” laughed Jane Lynch, surveying a sea of floral prints and botanical-inspired couture. “Nobody has let me down today. Everybody looks great! And I’m wearing Oscar.”

The Emmy Award-winning actress and Montecito resident perfectly captured the mood at Lotusland Celebrates: Botanical Splendor, Montecito’s most anticipated gala of the summer, where honorary chair Wendy Schmidt and Co-chairs Jeanne Anderson and Julie Morley graciously welcomed supporters and Guest of Honor Martha Stewart. Guests were greeted by CEO Rebecca Anderson and Board Chair Mari Mitchel, whose leadership continues to guide Lotusland’s
extraordinary reputation.

“Now, Ganna Walska and I have some things in common,” smiled Martha Stewart. “She started this garden in 1941. I was born in 1941. She was Polish. I am 100 percent Polish. She was beautiful…” she laughed, “… I hope I follow. She loved the color green. I obviously love the color green also. And thank you, Oscar de la Renta, for dressing me in this amazing dress today.” Returning to Lotusland for the first time since featuring it in her magazine in 2012, Martha reflected on how dramatically the gardens had evolved. “The garden is… twice as beautiful as it was then,” she said, praising CEO Rebecca Anderson, the horticultural staff, and the dedicated gardeners. She also applauded the partnership with Oscar de la Renta, whose floral-inspired elegance felt perfectly at home among Lotusland’s collections.

“We really love gardens! We love flowers and nature. It fits so well,” said Eliza Bolen, executive vice president of Oscar de la Renta and stepdaughter of the late legendary designer. Eliza explained that flowers and gardens have always been central to Oscar’s creative vision. The fashion house was a premiere partner for the gala dinner that beautifully reflected Oscar’s timeless aesthetic.

“I’ve been the highest bidder on Madame’s bathtub for days,” laughed Lotusland patrons Michael Loftis and Erik Nickel. “If we win, we’ll restore it and bring it up to our house in Napa.” The couple did indeed win the coveted piece of Lotusland history, proving that even Ganna Walska’s bathtub can inspire a spirited bidding war.

That same generosity blossomed throughout the evening. Spectacular floral centerpieces, sponsored by Tom Sloyan, graced every dinner table, while Jill Taylor and Ray Link sponsored the evening’s photography. A premiere showing of Rooted in Vision was presented with production sponsored by Eric and Wendy Schmidt; Maria and Mark Schmidt sponsored the cocktail reception; Joseph Marek and John Bernatz sponsored DJ Amara; Abacus Life poured the evening’s wines; Emily Joubert sponsored the elegant send-offs; Rori’s Creamery created exclusive treats; and Theoni sewed custom table linens just for the occasion, all creatively orchestrated by Merryl Brown.

“The more people spend time in nature, the better their health,” said renowned Cardiologist Dr. Steven Gundry. “We actually pick up microbiomes from plants, air and soil.” With a smile, he added, “So why wouldn’t we all support this place?” His remarks reminded guests that Lotusland is where conservation and wellness flourish together.

Also spotted was a veritable who’s who of society, including jeweler to the stars Neil Lane, SBMA pillars Lynn Cunningham Brown and Courtney Treut, Bravo TV’s Dina and Dave Cantin, HBO’s Simon Sutton, designer Frank Smith, Sotheby’s Jon Walburg, trustees Geoff Crane and Jeffrey Romano with new trustee Graciela Carrasco, Tesla’s JB Straubel, designer Henriette von Stockhausen (who traveled from Dorset, England), philanthropists Belle Hahn and Richard Scibird, architectural leaders Mike Phillips and Jay Morton, design icon Penny Bianchi, business tycoon Nancy Retzer, and garden patron Marlene Veloz, among many other fashionistas enjoying the evening.

By night’s end, Lotusland had done what it does best – bringing together extraordinary gardens and extraordinary people, all in support of an extraordinary place. As Martha offered one final piece of advice, it seemed the perfect close to the evening: “Never, ever, be average.” 

Madame Walska would have approved.